wednesday...

Today I have been here in Cape Town one week. I feel like things are beginning to kick into gear, as I have arranged many ministry visits in the days ahead. (Lots of connecting via phone and email my first week here.) I am going to try and share a daily update this week ahead. I am looking forward to the people and ministries I will meet in the days ahead, so it will be good to share and process with my “blog peeps”!

Today I went to “town” (what people here refer to as downtown Cape Town). I am slowly learning my way around public transportation. There are larger buses and vans (called shared taxis). Both are pretty convenient options to get to town from where I am living. Not too far at all! I had an appointment at 10:00, so I left the house early to be sure I allowed enough time. I ended up having about an hour extra time, so I walked around the downtown area which was a first for me. There are a couple walking “malls” or streets with shops and restaurants. There is also one long stretch with some gardens and museums. I’ll look forward to taking a Sabbath day in this part of the city in the near future!

I met a man named John who works with children and youth here in Cape Town. What an amazing visit I had with him! He works with a Catholic order here called the Salesians. John spends most of his time on the streets with the kids. Spending many years on the streets himself, he is very aware of the realities of these kids lives. Gangs and prostitution are very common realities here among these youth. I was impressed with his heart and insight into ministry among these youth here. The program at the Salesians youth center includes workshops for the kids to learn a trade or skill like working with leather, welding, auto body work, construction, brick laying, etc. This is the entry point for the kids to demonstrate commitment and desire for more. One of the next levels is an 18-month hospice (live in, residential) program for the kids to learn life skills and get grounded in a life off the streets. There is also a school for the kids that serves as a bridge for them to integrate into public schools here. I was also impressed with the partnerships and networking that seems to happen among the several ministries and programs for street youth. I look forward to learning more about this process and ministry during my time here!

Instead of going with John to the streets, I will volunteer to spend time with the boys in these workshops. This opportunity is an answer to prayer, because I was somewhat hesitant to go to the streets during my short stay here. I hate to be another person in and out of the kids lives, who already experience so much abandonment and loss on the streets. Plus, it sounds like I would just get in the way of John’s relationships and the things he deals with. So, I think this will be a good entry point for me to learn more about this ministry to street youth.

I am encouraged and hopeful about how this ministry will further shape my heart and understanding of ministering among these kids.

A few random things to add…
~ Today was probably one of the hottest days here (in the 90’s). But, not India, Brasil, or Sierra Leone hot (i.e. - HUMID!). I am spoiled weather-wise. The weather here changes very quickly. Tomorrow a cold front is supposed to come in and include cooler temps, rain, and wind. But, it sounds like the forecast changes a lot…it is very unpredictable.

~ I am blessed with a side view of Table Mountain from where I am living! I will post a picture sometime soon. One of my favorite times of day is right before dusk when the breeze or strong wind picks up. A layer of clouds then gently rolls over Table Mountain…this is called a “table cloth” for good reason!

~ Finally…once again, I am thankful for TV on DVD! Since it is not safe to go out much at night, especially on public transport, I am thankful for my DVD Christmas gifts! Loving “The Office: Season Two” right now! Thanks Jared O…..you got me hooked! “Lost: Season Two” is also waiting to get started soon!

Tomorrow….I will finally get to the Cape Flats townships. I will meet up with a man who I met during my visit last year. He lives in a township community and just opened a restaurant out of a larger shipping container. He also has a real heart and passion to help kids in the townships. So, I look forward to the day with Anele!